If you’ve been searching for a dessert that brings together comforting spices, fresh apples, and a tender crumb without gluten or animal products, then you’re going to absolutely adore this Vegan Gluten-Free Apple Bundt Cake with Easy Glaze Recipe. It’s a celebration of cozy flavors and wholesome ingredients, all wrapped up in the beautiful shape of a bundt cake. Whether you want to impress guests or just treat yourself on a lazy afternoon, this cake’s moist texture and sweet, tangy glaze will make it your new favorite fall-inspired dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this cake lies in its simple, thoughtfully chosen ingredients that combine to bring remarkable texture, flavor, and the perfect rise. Each element, from the gluten-free oat flour to the blend of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples, plays a vital role in creating this showstopper.
- Gluten-free old-fashioned oats (2 cups): Ground into a flour, these oats provide a hearty base that’s both naturally gluten-free and full of fiber.
- Blanched super fine almond flour (1 cup): Adds a subtle nutty flavor and keeps the crumb tender.
- Arrowroot powder (1/4 cup): A gentle thickener that helps bind everything together without heaviness.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Warms the flavor profile with a classic autumnal spice.
- Apple pie spice (1 teaspoon): A delicious blend that elevates the apple sweetness and deepens the aroma.
- Baking powder (1 tablespoon): Essential for that lovely rise and light texture.
- Unsweetened plant-based milk (1 cup): Offers moisture and keeps the cake vegan and dairy-free.
- Refined coconut oil (1/3 cup): Adds richness and moisture without overpowering the apple flavors.
- Pure maple syrup (1/2 cup): Natural sweetness with a depth that sugar just can’t match.
- Unsweetened apple sauce (1/2 cup): Contributes moisture, a gentle sweetness, and plays a key role in the cake’s tender crumb.
- Fresh apples, Granny Smith and Honeycrisp (2 cups): These apples bring a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness plus a delightful texture contrast within the cake.
How to Make Vegan Gluten-Free Apple Bundt Cake with Easy Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, generously grease your bundt pan — this ensures the cake will release perfectly from the pan and retain its iconic shape. Using a non-stick spray or rubbing with a little coconut oil works wonders here.
Step 2: Create the Dry Mix
Pop your gluten-free oats into a blender or food processor and pulse until they reach a fine flour-like consistency. This homemade oat flour is key to the texture of this cake. Then, in a large bowl, combine this oat flour with almond flour, arrowroot powder, cinnamon, apple pie spice, and baking powder. Give it a good stir to ensure all those lovely spices are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Whisk Together Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together your unsweetened plant-based milk, refined coconut oil, pure maple syrup, and unsweetened apple sauce. Whisking everything together until smooth ensures an even texture in the cake batter, and it’s the luscious wet mix that will keep the cake incredibly moist.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry, Fold in Apples
Pour the wet ingredients gently into the dry mix and stir until just combined — overmixing can make cakes dense, so take your time and be gentle. Now comes the star players: fold in the chopped Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples. Their tart and sweet flavors, along with their tender crispness, add a delightful surprise in every bite.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Pour your batter into the prepared bundt pan, smoothing the top just a bit. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for about 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. Patience at this stage is rewarded with a perfectly baked treat.
Step 6: Cool and Glaze
Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack; this step is crucial for the cake to set properly and for easy removal. For the glaze, mix a little powdered sugar with a splash of plant-based milk until you achieve a drizzly consistency. Pour it over the cooled cake, letting it cascade down those beautiful ridges, adding a sweet finishing touch that’s both simple and elegant.
How to Serve Vegan Gluten-Free Apple Bundt Cake with Easy Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your serving experience, consider sprinkling a handful of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top of the glaze for a wonderful crunch contrast. A dusting of extra cinnamon or a few thinly sliced apples fanned delicately can also make your cake look irresistible and intricate.
Side Dishes
This apple bundt cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream or a dollop of coconut whipped cream for an indulgent dessert. For a breakfast twist, serve it alongside a cup of spiced chai tea or your favorite morning brew — the spices in the cake blend harmoniously with those flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider slicing the cake and placing pieces on a rustic wooden platter garnished with fresh apple slices and a drizzle of maple syrup. You can also serve individual slices alongside a small jug of extra glaze for guests to pour as much as they like. And for impressing at brunch, add edible flowers around the serving plate for a pop of color and charm.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Vegan Gluten-Free Apple Bundt Cake with Easy Glaze Recipe maintains its moist texture for several days when stored properly. Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or tucked away in the fridge for about five days. Bringing it to room temperature before serving brings back its delightful softness.
Freezing
If you want to make this cake in advance or save some for later, freezing works beautifully. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then a layer of aluminum foil to protect against freezer burn. It will keep well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
To enjoy the cake warm, pop slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at a low temperature (around 300°F or 150°C) for about 10 minutes. You can also microwave slices for 20-30 seconds, but watch closely to avoid drying out this tender cake. Reheating brings out the spices and makes the apples even more comforting.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples for this cake?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are recommended for their balance of tartness and sweetness, you can experiment with Fuji, Gala, or Pink Lady apples. Just remember that sweeter apples might make the cake less tangy, so adjust sweetness accordingly.
Is this recipe suitable for people with nut allergies?
This particular version uses almond flour, which contains nuts, so it’s not ideal for those with nut allergies. However, you can substitute almond flour with additional oat flour or sunflower seed flour to make it nut-free, though texture and flavor may change slightly.
What can I substitute for arrowroot powder?
If you don’t have arrowroot powder on hand, cornstarch or tapioca starch makes a great substitute in equal amounts. These alternatives will help the cake bind and maintain its tender crumb just as well.
Can I use a regular Bundt pan for this recipe?
Yes! Any standard Bundt pan works perfectly for this recipe, as long as it holds around 10 to 12 cups of batter so the cake can cook evenly and rise properly.
How long will this cake keep its freshness?
When stored properly in an airtight container, the cake stays fresh and delicious for about 3 to 5 days. After that, texture might start to dry out, so freezing is a great option to prolong its life.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Vegan Gluten-Free Apple Bundt Cake with Easy Glaze Recipe enough — it’s a true crowd-pleaser for anyone craving a cozy, wholesome dessert that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture. With its simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s approachable yet impressive. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become one of those go-to recipes you want to make again and again. So, go ahead and bake yourself a slice of autumn happiness!
Print
Vegan Gluten-Free Apple Bundt Cake with Easy Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan,Gluten Free
Description
This Vegan Gluten-Free Apple Bundt Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert perfect for those seeking a plant-based and gluten-free treat. Made with a blend of oat and almond flours, warm spices, fresh apples, and naturally sweetened with maple syrup and apple sauce, this cake offers a delightful balance of sweetness and spice. Topped with an easy glaze, it’s an ideal bake for cozy gatherings or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups gluten-free old-fashioned oats (blended into flour)
- 1 cup blanched super fine almond flour
- 1/4 cup arrowroot powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon apple pie spice
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk
- 1/3 cup refined coconut oil
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/2 cup unsweetened apple sauce
Add-ins
- 2 cups fresh apples (Granny Smith and Honeycrisp), chopped
Glaze
- Powdered sugar (quantity as desired, approx. 1/2 cup)
- Plant-based milk (small amount to thin glaze, approx. 1-2 tablespoons)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a bundt pan to ensure the cake will release easily after baking.
- Make Oat Flour and Combine Dry Ingredients: Blend the gluten-free oats in a food processor until finely ground to create oat flour. In a large mixing bowl, combine this oat flour with almond flour, arrowroot powder, cinnamon, apple pie spice, and baking powder. Mix thoroughly to distribute the spices and leavening agent evenly.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the unsweetened plant-based milk, refined coconut oil, pure maple syrup, and unsweetened apple sauce until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender. Then fold in the chopped fresh apples evenly throughout the batter.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the prepared batter into the greased bundt pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully cooked.
- Cool and Glaze: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before removing it. Prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar with a small amount of plant-based milk until smooth and pourable. Drizzle the glaze evenly over the cooled cake to finish.
Notes
- For a finer oat flour, blend the oats in batches to ensure a smooth texture.
- You can substitute apple pie spice with a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice if preferred.
- Ensure apples are chopped uniformly for even distribution and baking.
- Use refined coconut oil for a neutral flavor; unrefined will add a coconut taste.
- Adjust the glaze thickness by adding more powdered sugar or plant-based milk as needed.
- Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- This cake can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw before glazing.
